How to Apply to the RSA to Become a Driving Instructor

Before you can apply for any of the stages 1, 2 or 3 you must first satisfy the RSA that you are of good reputation and that your tax affairs are in order before you will be allowed to apply to the RSA.

Your driving instructor application pack we have in our office but basically the documentation you need is:

• Tax clearance access number
• RSA Application form
• Proof of ID
• 2 Passport photos (Signed & Dated on back)
• Garda vetting form (Don’t forget to tick the box end of this form)
• Hold a full Irish licence more than 2 years
• Zero penalty points

Too begin your application is FREE OF CHARGE. But please register your post to ensure safe delivery.

The postal address for all you documents is : RSA, ADI Department, Moy Valley Business Park, Primrose Hill, Ballina, Co. Mayo, F26 V6E4.
Please note – The application process can take up to 8 weeks to be reviewed.
You will receive a letter of confirmation when RSA have received your application.

Next You will receive an email for Garda E vetting to complete and return to the Garda vetting email. (This email must be complete in 30 Days)

If all is successful above your eligibility number will be posted to you. You need this number before you can begin stage 1.

Stage 1 – ADI Theory Test

• Stage 1 can be booked by you, meaning you can select your own day & time. Click here.
• The study syllabus can take up to 5/7 weeks depending on the individual.
• We can rent the necessary study material to you which you can return.
• There are Apps which can help study too.
• This exam requires time and effort by yourself.
• You must achieve 75% overall out of 100 questions.

The sections are

• Driver testing procedures
• Pedagogy
• Car maintenance and mechanical principles
• Road safety principles
• Category b car general

We will show you what and how to study per section to ensure you don’t fail. Having passed stage 1 you will be invited by the RSA to sit stage 2.

Stage 2 – Pass The ADI Driving Test

• Time to test your advance driving ability.
• Training with us is 2hr blocks, Pay as you go €140 (roughly 8-10 hours depending on individual).
• Stage 2 costs €200 to the RSA, If you fail you pay again. Payment is postal order.
• This exam is 1.5 hours and tests your ability and the level of your driving.
• The RSA will issue you a date for this exam one month in advance once you have sent your application & paid your fee.
• The test covers all road types and speed limits from motorway to carriageway, rural to urban areas. Demonstrating 6 Manoeuvres.
• This exam can be done in your own car. Tax, Insurance and Nct must be all displayed & up to date.

This driving test is an advanced driving ability exam which is a much higher level of driving compared to the standard full driving test. Please make sure you complete this part of your training with a fully qualified ADI trainer.

You will have to carry out the following manoeuvres:

• Turnabout
• Left reverse
• Right reverse
• Emergency stop
• Parallel park
• Hill start

The test will begin & finish back at the designated RSA test centre.

Ideally you want no marks on the test sheet, although you can still pass with up to four blue marks (not if 3 marks are for the same fault).

Your results and feedback are given to you directly after the exam by your ADI Tester.

Stage 3 – ADI Instructional Ability Test

Having passed stage 2 the tester will give you an application form to apply for stage 3.

Stage 3 is a test of your instructional skills and is split into 2 phases both of which are done on the same day.

On phase 1 the tester usually plays the role of a beginner driver will little ability and will randomly select a scenario from which you have to instruct.

Similarly on phase 2 you will be asked to instruct on an advanced driver and deliver instructions to match this level.

The aim is to deliver 16 core competencies over a 30 minute period each phase.

Stage 3 costs €200 to the RSA.

Training with us is again pay as you go €140 per 2 hours, in your own vehicle.

We recommend 8-10 hours training, but can differ depending on individuals.

You need to have training colour file, first aid kit, triangle, fire extinguisher and 2 Hi vis jackets in your vehicle for this exam.

What our Driving Instructor Training Give You

Our driving instructor training teaches you to understand those competencies and use them to pass all the stages to become a driving instructor.

Our driving instructor training allows you to progress through our course with comfort and affordability. You can work while you train allowing you to earn money while becoming qualified.

Our driving instructor training Lessons can be evenings or weekends or whatever suits your schedule.

You will complete your training with the same ADI trainer throughout the whole training period.

QQI and RSA Certified Trainers

We are a recognised QQI (train the trainer course qualified) training provider by the Road Safety Authority and have gone through their approval process so you can be sure your training investment is safeguarded.